Information:† The Biblical story of
the relationship between Adam and Eve is found in Genesis 1:26-3:20.

Summary: The Bible says in Genesis 1:26 that God created mankind in His
own image and that He created mankind to be male and female.† In verse seven of chapter two Adam was
created from the dust of the earth and shortly thereafter in verses 21-22 God
made Adamís wife. When God created man both the woman and the man were adults,
but they were ignorant and did not yet know anything about life or relationships
of any kind. This however was not a hindrance to their relationship because at
this point in time both were innocent, and perfect, they had not sinned yet and
therefore did not have a sin nature. But after Eve and Adam were tempted by the
serpent in chapter 3 verses 4-7, and failed in the temptation, their
relationship with each other changed completely.

Evaluation:† The relationship
between Adam and Eve was a failure when they did not trust in God. Verse 26 of
chapter 1 says that God made man in His own image and that He made man male and
female. This passage of the Bible teaches the equality of man and woman.
Marriage is a partnership. The man is not above the woman and the woman is not
above the man but both have an authority over each other and a submission to
each other, with both being under the supreme authority of God (I Cor.
11:11-12). It appears that the problem with Adam and Eveís relationship as
recorded in Genesis is that they both failed to fulfill their responsibilities
toward each other in their decisions to eat the fruit. The Bible says to flee
temptation; this is the most sure way to avoid sinning. Eve obviously did not
know this concept. But also in a marital relationship when any decision is made
by one spouse it will inevitably effect the other spouse to a minor or major
degree. When Satan tempted Eve she knew that it was against the commandment of
God to eat the fruit. And she did not consult her husband for advice before
making that disastrous decision. She did not rely upon her husband for advice
and guidance but rather made a selfish decision thinking only of the lies which
Satan promised. She thought of herself and what she would get out of eating the
fruit. She was selfish. She should have asked God first, her husband second, and
herself last. It is tempting to blame Adam and say that he should have been
keeping closer watch of his wife to protect her, but unless Adam and Eve were
aware of Satan, Adam had no reason to be concerned because they both lived in
the paradise of God. Even so it was Adamís responsibility to watch over His
wife. Adam, though, is just as guilty as Eve. Although she sinned first and
tempted Adam, He also knew the commandment of God and it was a very poor
decision on his part to eat the fruit. He was being selfish too. Common sense
should have told him that his decision would not have helped his wife out any
further. It is obvious that there is a lack of several important ingredients in
a healthy relationship. The first ingredient would of course be to trust in God
and put Him first. If Adam and Eve had done this neither would have eaten the
fruit. The majority of problems in a marital relationship can be traced to
selfishness. In Adam and Eveís story both made selfish decisions, which would
have ruined their marriage if it was not for Godís grace.

Application: Despite the obviously big failure on the part of both Adam and
Eve the relationship was not a failure. God intervened in Genesis 3:21 and not
only provided redemption for their souls through Jesus Christ, but redemption
of their marriage through His grace as well. If two people in a relationship do
not quit the relationship through divorce or some other means then the
relationship is not a failure no matter what kind of mistakes have been made.
Any relationship is sure to succeed if both people respond correctly to God, no
matter how big the mistake may have been.

When I look at the story of Adam and Eve, I see an important
truth that needs to be understood and which is vital in my ability to be a
testimony for Christ and a servant of all who I may interrelate with in the
future. It is interesting to note that Adam Did not name his wife Eve until
after both had sinned and been exiled from the garden, Genesis 3:20. Before
this time Eve was simply known as Adamís wife. Obviously the relationship
between Adam and Eve was much closer before the fall, there was in a sense less
of a distinction between the two as individuals and more of the concept of both
being one flesh. In other words relationships take work, and the reason that
this is so is because we are all sinners. Although God forgave them of their
sins, Adam and Eve still had to face the law of reaping what you sow. Never
again would Adam and Eve have a perfect relationship and therefore they would
not be as close to each other. The more work you put into a relationship the
better it will be, but it can never be perfect not in this lifetime.